I'm beginning to think that learning to parent is like learning to ski. You can take lessons to get some of the basics, but at a certain point the instructor says, "No more lessons for now -- you need to put on some mileage." Meaning you can't learn to ski only by taking lessons, you have to actually get out there on the slopes with all the snowboarders whizzing by you. Sure, you can start small on a bunny hill and get your confidence up. I stayed on the bunny hill a lot longer than I needed to, because I like skiing to be easy and fun, not fast and terrifying. (And then there was the day I accidentally got on a black diamond trail...) Is there a bunny hill for parenting?
Being a stay-at-home mom for the moment, I'm getting a lot more time with Mia, and I can see my parenting skills really improving. I spend about 15 minutes per night in a "lesson", i.e., reading my new favorite parenting book, Becoming The Parent You Want To Be. It has taken a while, but I'm getting the hang of parenting in the way the authors suggest. Mia still has her episodes, but I find I am better able to stay calm and problem-solve in the moment. Jeff has noticed the difference and wants to read the book.
Being a stay-at-home mom for the moment, I'm getting a lot more time with Mia, and I can see my parenting skills really improving. I spend about 15 minutes per night in a "lesson", i.e., reading my new favorite parenting book, Becoming The Parent You Want To Be. It has taken a while, but I'm getting the hang of parenting in the way the authors suggest. Mia still has her episodes, but I find I am better able to stay calm and problem-solve in the moment. Jeff has noticed the difference and wants to read the book.
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